42 Still @ Stillwell's

Febuary 5th 

Deserted La Linda

     We worked on paperwork for our business most of the morning.  Then we got on the trike and headed straight East from Stillman's on #2427, from the map we knew it dead ends at the Rio. This is the spot our travel advisers had teased us about, the warning of the Mexican with a machine gun.  A pleasant ride to the river with "sweepers"  allowing us to enjoy the buttes all around as we drove.  We soon reached the "dead end" it used to be an international crossing before the government closed it.  It seems that they don't think of the financial and emotional consequences to business's and families on both sides of the border when they close an access.  The crossing known as the La Linda international bridge and The Hallie Stillwell Memorial Bridge was at one time a busy crossing for families and business's.  On the other side of the river was once a large mining town, they mined fluorspar.   Now the entire village and mining facility appeared to be deserted.  In the distance we seen a church that reportedly had been used only once before the town folded.  We spent some time scanning the deserted properties with binoculars.  Always sad to see things that don't work out,  What happened to the people that relied on the income source this plant provided.  What about the families with relatives on both sides of the border.   Since 911 there is not a border crossing in the entire big Bend area.  On the US side it is now over 450 miles between crossings. 

La Linda mission

     Checking at the store we were disappointed to find out our "meds" had not arrived.  Are we going to have to stay here longer?
     We had met Janet and Dave, RV'ers who ranch in South Dakota, and Richard and Jan from Massachusetts (compassionate man, he puts out water and food for the birds every morning.) it seems they have been coming here for years.  What's the deal here, I'm thinking the Stockholm syndrome?  There has to be a reason they keep coming back, but I don't care, soon as our meds show up we are out of here.  Our new acquaintances,(wasn't going to be sucked into friends then it would be hard to leave) let us know where we could get cell phone service.  It's easy, drive six miles back to the main road. turn right, find the brown park sign and stand under it.  On our ride to the "service area"  we met a young lady on a bicycle pulling a trailer behind her.  We kind of both did a little sigh, like bless her heart.  It is very hilly
here.  

Under the local phone booth!

     We reached the designated sign.  Of course they were right, I tested it, I climbed higher on the fence line, no service, I stood on the trike seat, no service, I guess it's a magic sign. Unfortunately the news wasn't good.  Evidently the Mayo clinic pharmacy has some issues.  Maybe you've had problems like this, you feel at their mercy, well you are. Follow this if you can.  My meds had been ready when we were in the Alamo 7 days ago but Ruthies weren't,  they promised to have her's ready and send them both on Friday 5 days ago.  The phone call revealed that Ruthie's had been sent, however mine hadn't been sent yet.  No problem we would do what our new acquaintenvces do while they travel.  Wise people, they just have the perscription sent to a local pharmacy and pick it up.  Okay lets do that.  Evidently our insurer wants to retain control.  Sure we can do it that way Ma'am, however it will cost you more and we will give you fewer meds.   Yup, they have control.    The clueless voice on the other end had also suggested that since we were going to be traveling Texas for a while yet, she could have them sent to Stillwell's with no special delivery fee and we could just drive back and get them.  Evidently she is used to a smaller state.  This is Texas my friend.
The Stillwells have to travel 75 miles to get supplies and 4 hours to a major box store.  We ended our frustrating call by yielding to the special delivery charge and a promise of expedited service, oh wait that was the same promise we got 6 days ago. I apologize, but it does get frustrating.   I'm better now.  
     When we returned to Stillwell's there was the bicyclist,  Ashley is traveling from San Diego to Daytona Florida, Ruthie immediately invited her to the museum for the special music tonight.

   The Whitfords are the couple that we met in Bandera that had invited us here and I was anxious to hear there musical offering.  Their story is the first trip to Stillwell's they were just guests and now they return every year to preform.  ( I still don't get it?  I'm glad we are leaving as soon as our "meds" show up.) .This was right up my alley, old country songs, modern country and songs of the range.  It turned into a singalong.   They were very entertaining,  soothing music and a great couple, thanks for the entertainment Eldon and Ann.  They were joined on a couple of songs by a lady that used to sing at local honky tonks.  We met her nephew Lynn who has a ranch neighboring the Stillwells.   Every one was friendly and they invited us to a local dance Saturday night. (Didn't matter we wouldn't be here.) And then closing with "Happy trails to you" it couldn't have been better.  Then outside for a campfire and surprise birthday party for Barbie.  This is a fun group!

     I will sleep well tonight!